Gen. Roque Aplasca Lopez of Jaro, Iloilo City-First Presidente of the Estado Federal de Bisayas in 1898.

". . .The "Comite de Conspiradores" initiated by Don Francisco Felipe Villanueva and headed by Don Raymundo Angulo Melliza was formed in Parian, now Molo in Iloilo on March 18, 1898. The initial members were "Parianons" that included; Pablo Araneta, Fernando Salas, Francisco Soriano, Jovito Yusay and from Jaro; Roque Lopez and Simon Ledesma. This became the nucleus that started the highly disciplined and well organized covert revolutionary movement in the Island of Panay. Five months later, together with the revolutionary leaders outside the City led by Martin Teofilo Delgado y Bermejo of Sta. Barbara, they formed a revolutionary government and thus, the "Estado Federal de Bisayas" was established. Thereafter, Gen. Roque Aplasca Lopez was elected President of the Assembly. . ."

It is regretable, indeed, that there is no street named nor a historical marker installed to honor Gen. Roque A. Lopez, the Ilonggo patriot and first President of the "Estado Federal de Visayas" and many more Ilonggo leaders, who won the revolution against Spanish colonization, thereby achieved the status as a truly independent and legitimate sovereign nation before the "Faux pas" of U.S. invasion in 1899 of the Ilonggo Nation.

Whereas, our City's main thoroughfares were named to honor our forebears adversaries and the revolucionary losers from Luzon. (Brgy. & Gen. Hughes St. , Gen. Luna St. , Bonifacio, J.M.Basa Street, etc., etc...). Likewise, Ilonggo Illustrados who collaborated with the early American regime.

For Photos Click below:
http://oldsite.isatu.edu.ph/  

The ILOILO SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY UNIVERSITY (ISAT-U)

During the American regime in 1905, the ILOILO TRADES SCHOOL was established in Calle Iznart, Iloilo City to offer vocational courses for technical skill training.

Later, the school was transferred to Lapaz District and permanently settled along Calle Burgos. In 1938 it was renamed ILOILO SCHOOL OF ARTS AND TRADE (ISAT) by virtue of Commonwealth Act No. 313 signed by President Manuel L. Quezon.

During the Marcos era in 1983, by virtue of Batas Pambansa 395, ISAT became WESTERN VISAYAS COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (WVCST). With it's massive expansion in curricular offerings, WVCST rapidly became a premiere institution of higher learning.

Finally, by virtue of Republic Act No. 10595 authored by Iloilo City Representative Jerry P. Treñas, WVCST was converted into the Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT-U) in June 2013.

ISAT-U has five campuses, with the main campus in Lapaz and external campuses in the towns of Barotac Nuevo, Dumangas, Leon and Miag-ao. WVCST campus in Jordan, Guimaras was later integrated into Guimaras State College.

I am proud to have been duly elected and served for two (2) consecutive terms as VIce-President of the WVCST- Parent's-Teacher's Association (PTA) and Chairman of the Scholarship Committee years ago, together with Vicente "Vic" Parcia as PTA President and Luis "Louie" Sorolla, Jr -our worthy Secretary who is now the President of West Visayas State University (WVSU). --dinggol.d~~~

Ang Distrito sang Lapaz sa Ciudad sang Iloilo.

The Seven Districts in the City of Iloilo

The District of Lapaz in the City of Iloilo, Philippines was named after it's Patron Saint Nuestra Señora de la Paz y Buen Viaje. It was founded sometime in 1865 by five "Tumandok" of the town then known as "Lobo". At that time, the natives also called the town Ilauod, which means "down the river" and later became known as Bag-ong Banua or Nuevo Pueblo.

The first gobernadorcillo of the town was Capitan Marcelo Jereos, from whom Jereos Street was named. He served from 1865 to 1867.

He was one of the five founders of the town, which included Gregorio Divinagracia, Moises Gustilo, Felipe Huervana and Eusebio Jereos.

Main thoroughfares were named after them in Lapaz, Iloilo City.

Likewise, Barangay Divinagracia, Barangay Gustilo and Barangay Jereos were created to honor their memories. 

Just wondering why there is no Barangay Huervana to date. --dinggol.d~~~

(Main source: Nereo Cajilig Luján's article)

Nuestra SeÑora de Lapaz y Buen Viaje Parish Church

Lapaz Public Plaza

Ang Mabangis! . . . Kalbo nga Agila kag ang Duha ka Adlaw nga Pisu!
(By: dinggol araneta divinagracia -IlonggoNationMovement- Dec.27,2007)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
On December 27, 1898, the ferocious bald eagle swooped down to Madya-as, waited for awhile, then attacked and began the emasculation of the two-day old chick.

Thus, was the "manifest destiny" of our short-lived nationhood, the Estado Federal de Bisayas or “Ang Republika Federal sang Kabisay-an“ --at the turn of the last century.

Adding insult to injury, the new foreign invaders branded our forebears; the brave revolucionarios and fearless patriots as superstitious cultists, brigands, bandits, insurrectionists.

Maybe “Uncle Sam” was ignorant of the fact that we were an infant but already a sovereign Nation-State with a legitimate form of government a few days earlier. Or perhaps, knew but still refuse to know as the onward march of greed and modern imperialism substituted centuries of colonialism.

To entertain the negative notion, a mindset that today we cry over spilled milk over this unfortunate encounter, this travesty of history is not only absurd but sheer ignorance. The objective is not only to remind the whole world of this historical blunder, this diplomatic faux pas ---but more importantly, to instill in the minds and enshrine in the hearts of the young and future generations of Ilonggo and Visayan, a legacy of their proud and noble heritage --nipped in the bud by a socratic irony of fate. That, notwithstanding insurmountable odds, our forefathers valiantly fought with dignity against those who trampled our sacred shores.

And that we accepted defeat as a victory with a smile; knowing that once upon a time, we as a people in the Visayas, spearheaded by Ilonggos, have won our freedom in the fields of battle and formally achieved a truly legitimate independence after almost 400 years of foreign subjugation under Spanish colonial rule and made world history as the first Republic in all of Asia --the Federal Republic of the Visayas!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~oo0oo~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The American Invasion of the Ilonggo Nation

The United States Forces Invasion of Iloilo -Feb. 11, 1899 -
(By: dinggol araneta divinagracia - IlonggoNationMovement-Feb.11, 2012) 

 
On Feb. 11, 1899, the US First Separate Brigade commanded by Brig. Gen. Marcus P. Miller, West Point Class 1858, invaded Iloilo City on Panay Island. The defenders in the first line of defense were Ilonggo forces under the command of Gen. Pablo S. Araneta; Antiqueños under Gen. Leandro Locsin Fullon and Tagalog / Batangueño expeditionary forces under Gen. Ananias Diokno.
 
While the group of Gen. Roque A. Lopez, Gen. Martin T. Delgado, Gen. Teresa Ferraris Magbanua and the other Ilonggo leaders were stationed at the outskirt of the City including Gen. Quintin D. Salas and his troops in Balantang, Jaro.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~  oo0oo  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Semi-Weekly Gazette and Bulletin of Williamsport, Pennsylvania reports on the capture of Iloilo, issue of Feb. 14, 1899. (By Associated Press)
 
Manila, Feb. 14 -(9:35 a.m) -The United States forces under Brigadier General Miller captured Iloilo, capital of Panay and seat of the so-called government of the Visayan federation on Saturday last after a bombardment.
 
The rebels set the town on fire before evacuating it; but the American troops extinguished the flames.
 
There were no casualties on the American side........"
(Source: "Philippine-American War, 1899-1902" by Arnaldo Dumindin)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~  oo0oo  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
REACTION:
 
The unwelcome vicious intrusion and uncivilized military invasion of our infant but legitimate independent sovereign nation by the ugly Americans is percieved by todays patriotic Ilonggos/Visayans in particular and many filipinos in general as a diplomatic faux pas, a historical blunder. Likewise, by other nationalities who share the Ilonggo Nation Movement (INM) Global Network's noble advocacy .
 
The above-cited 1899 news item published by Associated Press clearly manifested that Uncle Sam was fully aware that their target, Iloilo, capital of Panay was the seat of the government of the Federal Visayan nation.
 
It should be noted, that there was no formal "Declaration of War" between two conflicting sovereign nations, the USA and the Estado Federal de Bisayas (EFB). The global armed confrontation was the Spanish-American War that did not involved in any way the EFB, a seperate, distinct and independent legitimate sovereign nation. This was brought about by Spain's "formal" surrender earlier to the Visayan Federal Republic based in Iloilo.
 
On the contrary, Gen. Emilio Aguinaldos' government whose authority and jurisdiction had never truly included  territories of Central and Western Visayas under the Estado Federal de Bisayas (spearheaded by the Ilonggos), could still be considered "subject" under the Spanish crown since he never won the war against Spain.

 His opportunity was derailed by the betrayal of his erstwhile American trusted allies during the 13th of August, 1898 "Mock Battle of Manila" in Intramuros--
 
It is regretable, indeed, that Gen. Aguinaldo also decieved the Americans by making them believe his presidency covers the entire Philippine archipelago. The irony, was that the "tri-starred" banner/flag in anticipation of a Federal Philippines composed of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao were already being displayed in battle fields and was misconstrued that there was only one central government in control under Manila.
 
Moreover, Governor-General Don Diego de los Rios, the last duly constituted Spanish authority in the Philippines, failed to inform the U.S. government that he had earlier surrendered Spain's jurisdiction over  to the Estado Federal de Bisayas.
 
The said AP news item, likewise, stated that the "rebels" meaning the Ilonggo patriots defending their battle-scarred freedom and national patrimony, set the town (Iloilo) on fire before evacuating it; but the American troops extinguished the flames. The truth of the matter, Iloilo City was almost totally demolished due to continuous naval bombardment for about a week by four (4) U.S. warships anchored along Fort San Pedro near Calle Sto. Rosario.
 
Furthermore, it reported that no casualties on the Amerian side but failed to report that hundreds of civilians, including defenseless women and small children whom the U.S. soldiers called "Chinese half-breeds" were massacred when the ferocious invading U.S. forces stormed Iloilo.
We strongly detest the cruelty and savagery inflicted upon our people during that black chapter in our history that maliciously "nipped-in-the-bud" --EFB's right to a seat in the council among sovereign nations of the world.
 
However, it is heartening to note that during those trying times there were men of goodwill in the "US Anti-Imperialist League"; Andrew Carnegie, Mark Twain, William James, David Starr Jordan, Samuel Gompers, George S. Boutwell, and others that were opposed to U.S. Philippine annexation and the U.S. policy of international intervention under the guise of "Manifest Destiny".
 
Padayon ang Hublag Ilonggo! --Agorang dinggol.d~~~
(Ilonggo Nation Movement (INM) precursor of Ilonggo Nation Global Federation (INGF)

Ilonggo Nation Global Federation (INGF) Pillars; Physician-Surgeon Dennis Talisay of Negros Island and Dinggol Araneta Divinagracia of Iloilo together with Hon. Jed Patrick Mabilog- Mayor, City of Iloilo-Philippines. (Los Angeles, California)

Louie & Ann Catedrilla-Seisa with dinggol.d~~~

 Madamo gid nga salamat! to our generous host LOUIE and gracious hostess ANN CATEDRILLA-SEISA for a wonderful night to remember during the "visperas" of the Induction of Officers and Directors of the ILONGGO ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (IASC) INC. on June 11, 2016 lead by out-going Prexy FREDDIE BRAGA ABADIANO and President Elect MS. MARIBELLE ADELANTAR MONTILLA.

The instant get-together party at the home of the good -natured Ilonggo couple, successful entrepreneuers Louie and Ann, was even made more colorful with the arrival of newly re-elected Iloilo City MAYOR JED PATRICK MABILOG who graced the occassion with his songs and dancing styles.

Mayor Jed was the Inducting Officer cum Special Guest Speaker during the formal affair the next day at Knotts Berry Farm Hotel in Buena Park, Los Angeles, California.  --dinggol.d~~~

The home of the Seisa-Catedrilla family in Los Angeles, CA.

Seated (L-R): Merci Drilon-Garcia, Ann Catedrilla-Seisa, Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, Dr. Pepz Ababao, Dr. Dennis Talisay & Mimi Bayoneta-Talisay.
Standing: IASC, Inc. President-Elect Ms. Maribelle Montilla & Dinggol Araneta Divinagracia

 (Seated): IASC, Inc. President-Elect Maribelle Montilla, Merci Drilon & Gibert M. Garcia, Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, Dr. Dennis Talisay & Dinggol Araneta Divinagracia. (Standing): Carmina Garcia, Rose Balsomo-Chua, Dr. Erlyn Rodriguez-Zaragosa, Christine Ann French, ilongga guest, Mimi Bayoneta-Talisay, Ann Catedrilla-Seisa & Dr. Pepz Ababao.
And Butch Zaragosa, past IASC, Inc. President. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ oo0oo ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A new beginning for this Ilonggo Association of Southern California-USA under the able leadership of Ms. Maribelle Montilla. Good Luck! 

Induction: Hon. Jed Patrick (Locsin-Escalante) Mabilog, Mayor-Iloilo City, Philippines -during formal induction of Officers & Board Members of the Ilonggo Association-Southern California (IASC), Inc. (2016-18) headed by new Prexy (in red) Ms. Maribelle Montilla.
The venue was at the Knotts Berry Farm Hotel in Buena Park, CA (June 11, 2016) --dinggol.d~~~

Ilonggos at the helm (LtoR): Franz "Boboy" Lopez Jereza of Ilonggo sa America FB Group; Dinggol Araneta Divinagracia of Ilonggo Nation Movement/ Ilonggo Nation Global Federation; Leonor Delarmente-Baldonado of Ilonggo Nation Grupo (SanDiego) CA. (INGCA) and Freddie Braga Abadiano of Ilonggo Association of Southern California (IASC), Inc. celebrating Christmas 2014 in Clairemont Mesa, San Diego, California.

 

 The Role of "Ilonggos" in EDSA-1 People's Power Revolution
(By: dinggol araneta divinagracia-Ilonggo Nation Global Federation - February 25, 2016)

Prologue:
As we celebrate every 25th day of February the anniversary of EDSA-I People's Power Revolution; it is but fitting that we also recall for posterity, the roles conspicuously played by our "Kasimanwas" of the Ilonggo Nation in this important chapter of our history, thus:

The Epifanio de los Santos Avenue or EDSA is a long span of highway in Metro Manila-Philippines. It connects Roxas Boulevard (named after an Ilonggo from Capiz, President Manuel Acuña Roxas) in Pasay City and the Bonifacio Monument in Caloocan City; traversing the cities of Makati, Mandaluyong, San Juan/Pasig and Quezon. It was named in honor of the great Filipino scholar and patriot Epifanio de los Santos.

EDSA made an indelible mark in the annals of world history, as the venue of a relatively bloodless revolution emulated by freedom loving people around the globe under the yoke of tyrants. It created a new phrase in the dictionary, the famous "People's Power Revolution".

Unknown to many, the Ilonggos were greatly instrumental in the events leading to the successful EDSA-I People's Power Revolt.

During the decade of the 1960's, an aggressive young war correspondent named Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino, together with Fr. Jose Blanco, S.J -as reported by Quijano de Manila in the book "The Aquinos' of Tarlac -were seen hiding atop a water tank tower to evade arrest by Indonesian military as suspects in providing arms, on behalf of a western foreign power, to rebel forces fighting Indonesian President Sukarno's regime.

Later, Ninoy became Senator of the Philippines, after his under age controversy to qualify as senatorial candidate was put to rest by the one vote of Senator Rodolfo "Roding" Ganzon of Iloilo City. The "Timawa" Ilonggo Senator, then Chairman of the Electoral Tribunal in the Senate broke the 50-50 deadlock justifying that if the Tarlaqueño wins the election, by the time of his induction, he would be of age as Senator, under the provisions of law.

In 1968, Senator Ninoy Aquino exposed the Jabidah Massacre, an unexpected turn of event that ultimately aborted Malacañang's "Operation Merdeka", the covert Sabah invasion project headed by Major Eduardo Martelino of Kalibo, Aklan who styled himself as "Abdul Latif Martelino".

The Jabidah massacre expose' catapulted the brilliant and charismatic Ninoy, as the "Darling of the Press" --and with the support of the opposition; his wealthy and politically influential family and by the Ilonggo oligarchy that controls popular tri-media outlets, he became the "Numero uno contra " to strongman Marcos reign of power.

As the country was at the brink of total anarchy, when Malacañang had to contend with both the left and the right of the political spectrum; on September 21, 1972 President Ferdinand Marcos began the revolution from the center and declared martial law --"Para sa Ikaunlad ng Bayan, Disiplina ang Kailangan" as he announced the birth of the "New Society". One of the first arrested was Senator Benigno Aquino and was incarcerated for many years together with other politicos, professionals, members of media, academe, business, student, religious and labor leaders vocal against Malacañang. And yes! the untouchables who used to operate their nefarious activities with impunity, including notorious illegal drugs manufacturer, a Chinese national named Lim Seng who was publicly executed by firing squad.

Apparently, first few years after martial law declaration, the Filipino people were contented; with the visible massive concrete infra-structure projects, nationwide developments and relative peace and order situation and with improving economy. Notwithstanding, harsh and sometimes fatal implementation to student, peasant, professional, religious and labor activist groups, by some sectors in the military led by young PMA officers, who would later in conscience turn around to advocate reforms in the AFP.

Unfortunately, the son of Batac, due to critical failing health (the true condition kept secret from the general public) became just a mere figurehead, so to speak. People he trusted and close to him, both personal and professional, were at the helm of government and practically running the affairs of the state. It is regrettable indeed, they indulged in massive institutionalized graft and corruption, and grave human rights abuses; the malfeasance just like rats on board a sinking ship, eroded whatever Ferdinand Edralin Marcos envisioned as his legacy for history --due to command responsibility.

Then on August 21, 1983 the indomitable spirited Ninoy, coming home after being released in prison for a critical heart operation in the U.S. was assassinated at the tarmac of the Manila International Airport.The airport was the jurisdiction of the Aviation Security Command (AVSECOM) under PAF Gen. Luther Araneta Custodio of Silay City, Negros Occidental. Thereafter, instant condemnation of the brutal assassination flooded the airwaves and mainstream global news media. Locally, however, news were curtailed or maneuvered by the regime, even the tremendous crowd that brought Ninoy to his resting place was scarcely publicized.

Three long years had passed and due to controlled military, suppressed media plus inherent "Bahala Na" attitude of Filipinos, the sentimental massive outburst and public outrage of Ninoy's brutal slaying obviously simmered down, his martyrdom relegated to the dustbin of history.

Then on February 11, 1986, the incumbent Governor of Antique was assassinated outside the Provincial Capitol in San Jose. The impunity with which opposition Gov. Evelio Javier's public execution was carried out in broad daylight, in plain view of his constituents by the butchers in the military establishment was too much to bear. The Filipino people's cry "Tama Na! Sobra Na!" was heard loud and clear from Aparri to Tawi-Tawi. A few idealistic officers in the AFP could no longer swallow series of these barbaric acts and wanted reform with concrete radical action. The Reform the AFP Movement (RAM) led by Jose Almonte with Rex Robles and Billy Bebit of Iloilo, Gringo Honasan of Sorsogon, Red Kapunan of Capiz, Victor Batac of Bohol, and other RAM boys planned to attack and takeover Malacañang. However, another Ilonggo, a Major in the Phil. Military Academy in Baguio, loyal to his Commander-in-Chief revealed the brewing coup-de-etat to the Presidential Security Group, who lost no time arresting suspected members involved.

Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Juan Ponce Enrile, whose close-in security were positively identified the leaders in the failed coup, has no choice but break-away with his benevolent benefactor in Malacañang. He then publicly exposed their own shenanigans; seek the support of "Kumpadre Fidel" and the two joined forces against Apo Ferdie. The AFP Vice-Chief of Staff, Gen. Fidel V. Ramos was obviously not satisfied with benefits, privileges and promotions accorded him by his presidential second cousin.

As Sec. Enrile and Gen. Ramos, with a few loyal supporters barricaded themselves in Camp Crame along EDSA, awaiting for the "Sword of Damocles" to fall upon their heads, the military might of the government was fast approaching to end the treasonous drama. Then ... the "Miracle of EDSA" occurred, sabi dah!

Only two weeks after Ilonggo Governor Evelio Javier of Antique was slain, and as God wills it! --another Ilonggo, a prelate from New Washington, Aklan named Jaime Cardinal Sin would broadcast over Radio Veritas to appeal public support for the besieged Camp Crame group and thereafter, effectively instigated what has become to be known as "EDSA-I People's Power Revolution". And the rest is history...

Epilogue:
When "Ninoy" became a dream and "Cory" the reality after EDSA-I; when the plain housewife was transformed into Her Excellency Corazon C. Aquino-President of the Philippines, she depended to Ilonggos; Franklin M. Drilon as Executive Secretary, Justice Raul M. Gonzales as Tanodbayan (Ombudsman) and Solicitor General Frank Chavez to face the tentacles of the deposed dictator.

Footnote:
In an article published in Philippine Daily Inquirer, Ilonggo Political writer Amando Doronila wrote that: People power movements have been an Imperial Manila phenomenon. Their playing field is EDSA. They have excluded the "provincianos" from their movement with their insufferable arrogance and snobbery ... ignoring the existence of the toiling masses and peasants in agrarian Philippines.